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Christ's Church eMagazine 26 July 2015

Severitas — seriousness in self-control.

Another word used in
defining the Latin term, severitas, is 'rigor.' Rigor is not very popular
among the masses in the U.S. now. There is talk about school curriculum
needing more 'rigor.' Jean has said many times that it is mostly parents of
1st Generation Americans who really want 'rigor' in their child's classroom
and studies. What is more often heard from parents is complaining because a
teacher applying 'rigor' is "not fair." In fact, quite often the 'soccer
mom' says "he/she always made good grades until they got to you in the 5th
Grade." Thank God for teachers like Jean who insist upon introducing kids to
the real world of academia. One that requires a level of research and
scholarship, not just a pat on the head for showing up to class. Life, if
lived well, requires 'rigor.' One's spiritual nature is refined and defined
by 'rigor.' We must persevere in being loving, joyful, peaceful, patient,
kind, full of goodness, faithful to friends and tasks, and gentle.